not by works, but according to His mercy

I'm wrapping up the lesson I put together for the Bible study girls that I've been blessed to fellowship with each Tuesday night. Both of the regular teachers have other things going on this week, so I get the awesome opportunity to put into action all of the things I've been learning from God's Word. This is the first time in years that I've taught a lesson to people over the age of 10, so I'm super excited. I'm going to be discussing salvation -- here's a little taste.

"We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." 
Titus 3:3-6